Merdeka Centre's recent survey finds youths' reserves encouraging trust in the Federal Government, but interracial polarisation and distrust persist. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
MALAYSIAN youths has a high level of confidence in the unity government which comprises a multiracial setup, a Merdeka Centre survey carried out earlier this year shows.
However, this confidence does not measure equally in their trust towards those from other races.
Of the 1,605 young Malaysian respondents, aged 18 to 30, 56% noted their trust in the Federal Government, yet the sense of discrimination among minority groups persists with 58% of Chinese and Indian respondents believing they are being unfairly treated in Malaysia. This, nevertheless, is a 15% drop from the centre’s previous study in January last year.
“In addition, 73% of Malay respondents, including three-quarters of East Coast respondents, insist on maintaining the Malay and Bumiputera privileges, despite mixed feedback on equal treatment (48%), and (those for) Malay and Bumiputera privileges (49%) nationwide.
The survey also finds ethnic tension remains on the horizon, although it is not limited to inter-ethnic differences as it covers intra-ethnic relationships as well.
It is found that only 75% of Malay respondents are trustful towards fellow Malays, compared to Chinese (at 95% trust level towards fellow Chinese) and Indians (at 85% trust level towards fellow Indians).
Within the same topic, the Malays appear to have lower trust in other ethnicities, with 57% towards Chinese and 53% towards Indians.
“However, the Chinese trust Malays (92%) almost as much as they trust their ethnicity (95%), but they have less trust in Indians (83%). Meanwhile, the Indians trust the Chinese (83%) more than the Malays (79%).
“One-third of Malay respondents also reported lack of interaction with close friends and acquaintances from a different ethnic background, which is the lowest among all ethnic groups in this study,” Merdeka Centre says.
At the same time, from the survey which was conducted from April 3 to May 12, the majority of respondents across all ethnic backgrounds stated their confidence in the Madani government including 48% of all Malay respondents, which is seen as a reflection of increasing approval of Malaysian youths with current administration.
When it comes to leadership, East Coast respondents are against the idea of a woman becoming the country’s prime minister at 58%, compared to a 40% disapproval rate reported nationwide.
“This is a polar opposite of what we found in other regions, which is at 57% approval and above in the northern, southern, central Peninsular as well as East Malaysia.”
And despite the high degree of trust towards the Federal Government, only one-third (33%) of youths surveyed viewed national direction positively at the time of the study.
“Economic concerns remain prevalent as mentioned by 77% of respondents inclusive of rising cost of living, income constraints and unfavourable economic climate.
“On the topic of 2025 economic outlook, the youths’ perception is mixed with 47% believing the economy will improve and 45% thinking otherwise.
“This is the belief especially within the Malay and Indian segments. Yet, youth respondents were optimistic about the expected financial situation with 64% stating potential improvement, including 77% of ethnic Chinese respondents.”
As for quality of life, 84% of the respondents agree that they are doing well, while those who say otherwise stand at 15%.
Social media has also become their chief information portal, with Facebook as the primary source of news, as chosen by 42% of respondents. They also prefer to learn more about the goings-on in their backyard, compared to other news including politics.
“Also, youths prefer to learn more about their local developments (45%) compared to international affairs (34%) and political stories (22%).”
On governance and politics, the survey finds youths to be divided in terms of adherence to political leaders with 44% agreeing to adhere and 46% disagreeing.
“For the most part, Malay and East Malaysian respondents are more receptive towards their political leaders at 46% approval among Malays, 59% among Muslim Bumiputeras and 63% among Non-Muslim Bumiputeras.
“The Malays are also divided in terms of preferred political party, with 49% opting for Malay-dominant mutiracial party, and 32% siding with a coalition with equal say.”
Moreover, while trust in the Parliament is moderate at a 51% approval rate, the trust reserved for politicians seems to be on the decline with a 59% distrust rate being recorded by 70% Muslim and 53% non-Muslim respondents.
“Regarding political participation and involvement, only 31% indicated their interest in politics compared to 49% in January 2024.
“Political discussion also regularly took place with family members (46%) and friends (45%), indicating the need to advocate for alternative sources in producing informed electorates.”
Meanwhile, 58% of Malay respondents (inclusive of 60% of East Coast respondents) largely oppose concerts being attended by Muslims.
A respondent from the East Coast has been quoted as saying: "Concerts usually have both men and women and they can easily bump into each other. They should abide by the concept of mahram."
However, some prefer for concerts to continue to be held, despite the aftermath which took place following the controversial incident involving the 1975 band not too long ago.
"I don't agree with issues like The 1975 incident happening, but I support continuing to hold concerts. It feels unfair if clubbing is still allowed, but concerts are cancelled," says a respondent from the Southern region.
Merdeka Centre says the survey focuses on young Malaysians’ views towards their aspirations and needs, media consumption patterns, perceptions of the country and economy, career aspirations, ethnic relations and sociocultural aspects as well as governance and politics.
As for the demography, the respondents comprise 57% Malay, 21% Chinese, 7% Indian, 9% Muslim Bumiputra, and 7% Non-Muslim Bumiputra from Sabah and Sarawak.
“They are somewhat reflective of the national population profile of those aged 18-30 years old, who were interviewed via fixed line and mobile telephones. Respondents were selected based on random stratified sampling along age group, ethnicity, gender and state.
"The poll was funded by Merdeka Center’s internally generated financial resources and other donors,” the research centre states.
